After manoeuvring themselves into pole position in the League 2 title race, Montrose boss Stewart Petrie is determined his side will not fall flat on their faces at the next hurdle.
The Gable Endies produced a stunning victory over closest challengers Peterhead last week, twice coming from behind to triumph 3-2.
The win moved Montrose three points clear of Jim McInally’s side with a game in hand with Petrie admitting it was a vital victory with just seven games until the end of the season.
However, he is well aware that his players will have to be at their best this afternoon when they travel to face Clyde – the last team to beat them in the league.
The Links Park manager said: “It was a massive result for us last week and the guys showed their character in abundance.
“It was three points but it was a big three points.
“It was important not to lose the game and luckily enough we nicked it in the last 10 minutes.
“Winning games brings confidence – there is no question about that.
“We have been a wee bit light for defenders the last few weeks with Yano (Iain Campbell) and Matty (Allan) being injured but they have both trained this week and they are certainly on the mend now.
“Unfortunately, Michael Bolochoweckyj is struggling as he took a head knock on Saturday.
“But the rest of the lads are all bursting to play which is great.
“There are still a lot of points to play for and I am sure Peterhead and Stirling Albion will be coming at us with all guns blazing between now and the end of the season.
“The three points we picked up last weekend could go out the window if we lose on Saturday.
“So it is vitally important that you get a result in the following game.”
Petrie is fully aware of the potential pitfalls of a trip to Clyde, especially as the side managed by Danny Lennon and his assistant Allan Moore defeated Montrose 3-1 back in January at Links Park.
Petrie added: “I think they are a right good side.
“I said it last weekend that we are either lucky or unlucky that we have two strikers in the league in big Rory (McAllister at Peterhead) and Goody (Clyde’s David Goodwillie) who could go and play at a really high level.
“They need to be watched very carefully and we know what Goody is capable of.
“He scored a fantastic goal against us the last time but they have other players who are scoring goals.
“Danny and wee Moorey have got them playing really, really well which you can see in their league form.
“They are coming with a run similar to what we did last year pushing into that top four.
They are on a roll and it will be a very difficult game but we are ready for that.
“We were well beaten by them the last time – it certainly wasn’t a case of smash and grab, they were well worth their win.”
